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Abilene Christian University vs Rice University

Abilene Christian University is a private university in Abilene, TX. Rice University is a private university in Houston, TX. Rice University admits about 8% of applicants and Abilene Christian University about 66%, making Rice University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,370 a year at Rice University after aid, and about $26,182 at Abilene Christian University. About 95% of students graduate at Rice University, compared with 60% at Abilene Christian University. Ten years after enrolling, Rice University alumni earn a median of about $89,718, against $55,736 for Abilene Christian University.

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX · Private

Rice University

Houston, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Abilene, TX
Houston, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,195
4,776
Acceptance rate
66%
8%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.44–3.94
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1270
1510–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
22–28
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$26,182
$13,370
Full cost / yr
$59,256
$79,788
In-state tuition
$44,200
$64,144
Out-of-state tuition
$44,200
$64,144
Application fee
Not reported
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,285
$5,827
$30k - $48k
$21,150
$563
$48k - $75k
$23,012
$3,217
$75k - $110k
$27,576
$17,755
Over $110k
$31,763
$48,466
Outcomes
Graduation rate
60%
95%
Freshman retention
81%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,727
$79,751
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,736
$89,718
Median debt at graduation
$24,250
$11,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
17%
First-generation students
24%
14%
International students
4%
13%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jan 4

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Abilene Christian University or Rice University harder to get into?
Rice University is harder to get into. It admits about 8% of applicants, compared with 66% at Abilene Christian University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Abilene Christian University or Rice University?
Rice University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,370 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $26,182 at Abilene Christian University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Abilene Christian University and Rice University?
Before aid, Abilene Christian University costs about $59,256 a year and Rice University about $79,788. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Abilene Christian University or Rice University?
Rice University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $5,827 there, against about $20,285 at Abilene Christian University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Abilene Christian University or Rice University?
Rice University is the larger of the two, with about 4,776 undergraduates against 3,195 at Abilene Christian University.
Does Abilene Christian University or Rice University have a better graduation rate?
Rice University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 60% at Abilene Christian University.
Do graduates of Abilene Christian University or Rice University earn more?
Rice University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $89,718 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,736 for Abilene Christian University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Abilene Christian University and Rice University require SAT or ACT scores?
Abilene Christian University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Rice University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Abilene Christian University and Rice University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1270 at Abilene Christian University and 1510–1570 at Rice University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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